Head and Neck Cancers

Head and neck cancer is synonymous with squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) arising in the mucosa of the head and neck region and is historically associated with the heavy and prolonged use of tobacco. It is a major public health problem worldwide and is responsible for 4.8% of cancer-related deaths globally (Bray et al., CA Cancer J Clin 68:394, 2018). Head and neck cancer is comprised of various subsites, which are diverse in their etiology, epidemiology, presentation, and treatment. Though heterogeneous, these subsites are typically discussed together due to similarities in their management. This chapter provides a brief overview of incidence, etiology, and clinical presentation and outlines general principles of management of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, and paranasal sinuses.